Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West, Fla., received a report from the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell of a raft south of Marquesas Key, Fla., Saturday. The cutter Margaret Norvell boatcrew launched their smallboat and safely embarked two Cuban migrants.

The second migrant interdiction occurred on Monday after watchstanders at Coast Guard Seventh District Command Center in Miami received a report from a good Samaritan aboard a motor vessel of a rustic vessel south of Dry Tortugas, Fla. An HC-144 Ocean Sentry Aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Miami diverted and located the vessel. Crewmembers aboard the motor vessel embarked nine Cuban migrants and later transferred them to the Coast Guard Cutter Knight Island who safely embarked the nine Cuban migrants.

The third migrant interdiction also occurred on Monday after watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West, received a report from another motor vessel of a raft with people aboard south of Bahia Honda Key, Fla. Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber and Coast Guard Station Marathon, Fla., crewmembers safely embarked 13 Cuban migrants.

The 23 migrants were then transferred to the cutter Kodiak Island for repatriation.

“The United States Coast Guard’s day-to-day critical missions including migrant interdiction operations remain steadfast,” said Capt. Brendan McPherson, 7th Coast Guard District chief of Response. “We continue to patrol vigilantly to rescue and repatriate undocumented migrants who take to the sea, and together with our partner agencies, will vigorously investigate and prosecute migrant smuggling and associated crimes.”

The Cutters Bernard C. Webber and Margaret Norvell are two of the 58 new, Sentinel-class fast response cutters replacing the Island-class patrol boats. The FRC will be capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots and operating in seas up to 18-feet. The speed and stability of the FRC deliver tremendous lifesaving, law enforcement and homeland security capabilities in the same package.